If you’re suffering from chronic pain and debilitating conditions that haven’t been helped by pain medication, spinal cord stimulation may be the answer you’re looking for. But what is it, and how does it help? Dr. Riju Dasgupta, a pain management expert who specializes in Interventional Pain Medicine at our Ashburn, Centreville, and Reston locations, explains what you need to know about this futuristic-sounding technology that could help you live pain-free starting now.
With spinal cord stimulation (SCS), a device with wires strategically positioned around the spinal cord is placed under the skin near the cord. The device uses the body’s communication system to send electrical impulses to the cord that alter and intervene in how pain signals are transmitted to the brain. This can significantly reduce pain perception.
The benefits of spinal cord stimulator surgery offer:
“Many people can benefit from spinal cord stimulators,” Dr. Dasgupta shares, “and the people who benefit the most from these therapies are people that have pain that hasn’t been resolved with surgery, or they have pain shooting down the legs or the arms.”
If you have not found pain relief through conservative methods such as physical therapy or medication, spinal cord stimulation may very well be an option for you. It can be used to treat painful conditions such as:
If you are suffering from an active infection, have a bleeding disorder, are pregnant, wear a pacemaker, or have a severe spinal formation problem, spinal cord stimulation may not be a solution for you.
“There are a number of different types of spinal cord stimulators, and they all work in very similar ways,” Dr. Dasgupta says, explaining that the two main types are paddle leads, which require more invasive surgery to place, and percutaneous wires.
“The overall process of getting a spinal cord stimulator has a few steps,” Dr. Dasgupta explains. “Patients will start with a trial period to see if the therapy provides benefits.”
This typically involves implanting a temporary device to gauge pain relief and evaluate overall effectiveness. If significant improvement is noted, your doctor will recommend a permanent stimulator.
“This is very minor surgery,” Dr. Dasgupta notes, with most incisions being very superficial. The implantation procedure itself usually takes place in an operating room under local anesthesia or sedation. A small incision is made, allowing for the placement of leads near the spinal cord. After the device is implanted, patients will be monitored for a short period before being discharged.
Recovery typically involves rest and a gradual return to normal activities, with follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the stimulation. You may be advised to wait a certain period before resuming driving, particularly if you are taking pain medication.
Spinal cord stimulator permanent restrictions can vary depending on your specific condition and may include:
Also, if you ever need an MRI, it can interfere with your stimulator and may cause injury. You’ll need to check if your device is approved for an MRI scan.
Spinal cord stimulator surgery can be a game changer in managing chronic pain conditions that have not responded to other treatments. Dr. Dasgupta believes spinal cord stimulation can “really work well to restore quality of life for patients.”
If you’re suffering from chronic pain, watch Dr. Dasgupta’s video to learn more about this cutting-edge procedure that might be the solution you’re looking for. Then, talk to Dr. Dasgupta or one of our other pain management specialists at Town Center Orthopaedics’ Ashburn, Centreville, Fairfax, and Reston locations. Or schedule an appointment today. We look forward to helping you Feel Better. Move Better, and Be Better soon.
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